Ukraine’s boxing prowess continued to shine at the Paris Games on Wednesday as Oleksandr Khyzhniak secured the nation’s third gold medal. In a thrilling final at Roland Garros, the 29-year-old boxer triumphed in the men’s 80kg division, defeating Kazakhstan’s Nurbek Oralbay in a closely contested split points decision. This victory marks Khyzhniak’s second Olympic medal, surpassing his silver medal win at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Khyzhniak’s journey to gold in Paris was marked by his unwavering determination and dominance. He showcased his boxing skills throughout the competition, winning four bouts, including a notable victory over two-time Olympic gold medalist Arlen Lopez of Cuba in the semi-finals. Khyzhniak’s aggressive approach was evident from the outset of the final, as he relentlessly pursued Oralbay from the opening bell. While he couldn’t maintain that blistering pace throughout the fight, his relentless pressure kept Oralbay on the defensive.
The bout was a tense affair, with Oralbay landing some impactful punches that left Khyzhniak visibly shaken in the second round. However, Khyzhniak’s relentless pressure and superior boxing technique ultimately proved to be the deciding factors. As the final bell sounded, the tension in the arena reached a fever pitch. When the judges’ decision was announced in Khyzhniak’s favor, the Ukrainian boxer collapsed to his knees in an outpouring of emotion, acknowledging the magnitude of his achievement.
Khyzhniak’s gold medal is another testament to the unwavering spirit of Ukrainian athletes who continue to excel on the international stage despite the ongoing war in their homeland. The victory adds to Ukraine’s already impressive medal haul at the Paris Games, which includes gold medals in the women’s high jump won by Yaroslava Mahuchikh and the women’s sabre team fencing competition. Mahuchikh, in her emotional victory speech, dedicated her gold medal to the numerous Ukrainian athletes and coaches who lost their lives since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
Khyzhniak, hailing from Poltava in central Ukraine, embodies the legacy of a boxing family. His father, also a boxer in the Soviet era, instilled in him a deep passion for the sport that has now culminated in Olympic glory.
While Ukraine celebrated another boxing triumph, the home crowd at Roland Garros experienced disappointment in the men’s 63.5kg division. Despite the roaring support for France’s Sofiane Oumiha, he fell short of gold, losing in a split points decision to the more experienced Erislandy Alvarez of Cuba. Despite the setback, Oumiha’s fighting spirit and the fervent support of the French crowd showcased the power of sports to inspire and unite.
